Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - State Airports.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

70 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the details of the construction programme for the proposed development at Cork Airport; when the project will go to tender; when it is due to start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7336/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

Proposals in relation to the development of the three State airports, including Cork Airport, are in the first instance a matter for Aer Rianta, which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airports and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers. Aer Rianta informs me that the development programme for Cork Airport consists of a terminal building with capacity for three million passengers per annum, a multi-storey carpark with covered access to the terminal, air-bridges, the provision of hold baggage screening facilities and a control tower which will be equipped by the Irish Aviation Authority.

The company also informs me that consultants are currently preparing the detailed design which is planned to be ready to go to tender in May. Based on this timing for tendering and evaluation, the placing of the contract is likely to be completed in August-September with work expected to commence in September-October of this year. This major development programme at Cork Airport, which will cost in excess of €100 million, will take about two years to complete and the new facilities are expected to be operational early in 2005.